Nas

Inside of the linear notes to Nas' classic debut Illmatic are a series of photos depicting typical urban life, such as a homeless encampment, several police officers patrolling the projects as well as Nas himself looking, as if he just woke up, showered in uncomfortable sunlight. They are simple photos but they're also vivid. In a sense, this duality is a metaphor for Nas' body of work as a whole. Subtle yet, upon closer inspection, vividly jarring.